Tetrahalomethane
# Tetrahalomethane

Tetrahalomethanes are fully halogenated methane derivatives of general formula $CF_kCl_lBr_mI_nAt_p,$ where:

$k+l+m+n+p=4$

Tetrahalomethanes are on the border of inorganic and organic chemistry, thus they can be assigned both inorganic and organic names by IUPAC: tetrafluoromethane - carbon tetrafluoride, tetraiodomethane - carbon tetraiodide, dichlorodifluoromethane - carbon dichloride difluoride.

Each halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, At) forms a corresponding halomethane, but their stability decreases in order $CF_4$ > $CCl_4$ > $CBr_4$ > $CI_4$ from exceptionally stable gaseous tetrafluoromethane with bond energy 515 $kJ·mol^{−1}$ to solid tetraiodomethane, depending on bond energy.

Many mixed halomethanes are also known, such as $CBrClF_2.$

## Uses

Fluorine, chlorine, and sometimes bromine-substituted halomethanes were used as refrigerants, commonly known as CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

